Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Project Complete

Little hands have been finger knitting around here for about two years. Over that time bracelets, necklaces, scarves for gnomes, and so on, have been knit. In the fall Reece and I decided that a larger project was something he could handle, and he got started on finger knitting a skipping rope. The skipping rope requires three strands of single finger knitting about 10 feet long. He began with gusto in the fall, finger knitting as much as he could. When his interest faded a little, we made time in our regular rhythm to finger knit ten minutes here and there throughout the winter. Last week as he completed the final stitches of his third strand, the biggest smile crossed his face. He was so very happy and proud of finishing that last strand. Together we braided the three strands into a skipping rope, and he proudly showed his completed project to his daddy. Of course he promptly wanted to try it out, and we did just that, with mom and dad holding each end, and Reece jumping in the middle.

The very next day, right after lunch, came the request to learn how to two finger knit, and I happily obliged. He picked it up quickly and easily, and spent a good hour patiently moving the yarn between his fingers. Over the weekend, with much excitement, he asked about four finger knitting, and there was no way I was going to say no. I set him up, showed him how to move the yarn between his fingers a few times, and he has been knitting away ever since. I am not quite sure what he is making, but he is so very happy about all this knitting, and that makes me one happy mama.

There is something pretty special about watching your child see a project through from start to finish. Witnessing the joy received from the day to day work required to complete it, and then seeing the big smile at the end, upon final completion. It is pretty darn awesome.

And do you know what else is pretty darn awesome...rope vessels! You see while little hands have been busy knitting, my hands have been busy at the sewing machine. Goodness what fun I am having!

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For those of you who were interested in my coltsfoot honey, here is herbalist extraordinaire Susan Weed talking about coltsfoot. She also shares how to make coltsfoot honey. Enjoy.

Thanks Karin-Ida, they are so much fun to make. I use my denim needle, and regular cotton thread on my regular sewing machine. You, my friend, will love making these and have no trouble at all with all your talents :) Have fun!

Awe, you are too sweet Sandra, thank you. Super easy, there are many videos online, do a little search, will be easy to find.

Single finger knitting is fun to begin with. Make a loop, and knot it, exactly as if you were going to knit, slide it on your index finger, and pull it snug, but not too tight. Then wrap the free yarn around the index finger, and pull the first loop over the new loop. You have to hold the free yarn between your index finger and middle finger as you pull the first stitch over. And then you just keep going. I hope that isn't too hard to understand :)

Yay for Reece learning how to finger knit and being so patient with it! I have to say, looking at your gorgeous baskets makes me want to run to the store to buy rope and make some baskets myself. The really are fantastic Kim!!

love!!!! a skipping rope... what a fun project! and it turned out soooo lovely! and those rope vessels... i've been seeing them around and can't wait to try that out myself. yours are absolutely gorgeous! that swirl on the side and the beautiful handles!! oh my! it looks so tricky though... is it tricky??

Thanks Jenny. He is pretty happy with his skipping rope, and he loves all the colours together.

You have to try them, you will have so much fun! Not tricky at all, super easy, and so quick. It is like instant finished project, which is always nice. I whipped up the painted one with the handles, and the green one while my hubby was bathing Reece one night.

"I will not start rope baskets until the spring planting is done, I will not start rope baskets until the spring planting is done, I will not start rope baskets until the spring planting is done...." ;)

The finger knitting is very exciting indeed. My mother-in-law (retired Waldorf kg teacher) just taught Mattheus about a month ago. He can do it, but is still a bit young yet. Next year he'll be up for a proper project, I think. Reece must be so satisfied! Love to see that satisfaction on their little faces.

Awe, come on, you know you want to :) You will love making them Coco, so much fun!

Yes, in our early days Reece only knit little things, bracelets, necklaces, little scarves for his peg people, etc. Short, quick project that were done in one sitting. He felt very satisfied, and so very proud of himself when he finished the skipping rope. It is incredible to see, totally incredible!

I really love these rope baskets! I should try it too. My husband would love it if I started making things from rope instead of yarn. Probably a little easier on the budget. :) I used to finger knit when I was a child! I loved it. Has Reece ever tried kumihimo? It's a Japanese form of cord-braiding. My kids really like it. Even my six-year-old has mastered it. Hope you're having a good week so far, Kim.

Congratulations Reece, that is a wonderful accomplishment. I will be tucking the jump rope idea away to use with EmersonAnd Kim, your baskets are beautiful!PS- I checked, we don't have coltsfoot around here.

Love them. Never thought of a skipping rope, good idea. I also like that Reece knits. My mother taught me how to crochet and knit when I was a young lad too...sadly, one of those useful (and fun) skills that boys are not encouraged to learn. Good job.

Thanks, I was looking for a bigger project for him, and his little friend, and it seemed perfect. It is too bad that boys are not encouraged to do more handwork, one of the reasons we really love the Waldorf lifestyle, it is part of the curriculum.

Your baskets are looking gorgeous - I've found a couple of possible ropes, one I think might be a little thin and lightweight and the other was a bit too pricey to be able to use much, but I haven't had a proper experiment yet! Reece's skipping rope looks great, so lovely and colourful. Does it have a good enough weight to work well for skipping? I can imagine how much you must love to see his enthusiasm for knitting.

Thanks Sally, I am having so much fun with them. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Yes, it does, although I am thinking a little knot in the center, or even a little weight of some sort will help it work even better. I have to admit my heart does a little back flip every time he asks to knit. We have had a few times over the last week sitting together and knitting, and it just makes my heart sing.

Welcome to Mothering with Mindfulness. My name is Kim, Waldorf inspired homeschooling mama to one, writer, nature lover, dreamer, and lover of all things handmade. This is my space. A space to share with you my journey through motherhood, as I walk along the path of simple, mindful living. I invite you to join me as I learn and grow.